§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider making compulsory the fitting of wing mirrors to all cars.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)My Lords, we do not consider that this would be justified or would necessarily increase safety. The important thing is that the mirror which is required by the regulations should be properly adjusted and used by the driver, as theHighway Codeurges.
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, I would ask whether he is aware that there is a blind spot at which it is impossible for a driver who does not have wing mirrors on his car to see a vehicle overtaking his own; that this blind spot is particularly dangerous on a motorway when a driver wishes to move out into a fast lane, and that this problem will increase with the introduction of the 70 m.p.h. limit, which will have the effect of reducing differentials of speed and increasing the average time it takes one car to overtake another?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, while I think that what the noble Lord has said was true at one time, with the modern car the area of glass in the rear window has been extended and the blind spots are not so extensive or so frequent as they were with older cars. It is undoubtedly true that the wing mirror, correctly focused and properly used, is 1041 an additional precaution; but, so far as requirement by regulations is concerned, I am advised that the Department feel that maintenance of the interior mirror used as recommended in theHighway Codeis better.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, is that not a most extraordinary statement to be made by the Minister? First of all, he said that wing mirrors do not help road safety. May I ask him what is the basis of that rather extraordinary remark? The other matter is this: does he think that all cars on the road are new cars?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, I do not think I said that wing mirrors did not make for any safety: if I did, I would correct it. I thought I said that they might contribute. So far as the present-day car is concerned, the rear window has a much bigger sweep than used to be the case, and therefore there are fewer blind spots on the car. In regard to wing mirrors, there are two types, the convex and the flat. I understand that with the convex type there is a tendency to distort the image of the approaching vehicle, and that with the flat mirror the driver's view is restricted. Equally, in the bad weather conditions of to-day, with wet and mud on the wing mirrors, they are not, of course, as efficient as when they are dry and clean.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, would the noble Lord have another look at this matter, because there are many old cars which could be fitted with wing mirrors, and that would add to their safety?
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the greatest contributor to safety would be not the wing mirror but the proper ventilation of the interior of the modern motor car? The rear window of the modern motor car is always misted when one wants to see through it, and the only safe device to have is the wing mirror. If the noble Lord would use his best endeavours with the car manufacturers to persuade them to ventilate the interiors of their motor cars properly, then the motorist's vision through the rear window would be much enhanced.
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, the old-fashioned method of keeping the side window open keeps both the front window and the rear window clear.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHYes, and it freezes you at the same time.
§ LORD LINDGRENSo far as wing mirrors are concerned, the Department have been going into this question over a period of time. On buses and lorries, where the rear view is obscured as a result of the construction of the vehicle, the question to be decided is whether there should be one or two outside mirrors. But we do not think it necessary to make wing mirrors obligatory on private cars. If anyone wants to use them, and knows how to use them, good luck to him!
§ LORD AILWYNMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that there is a general demand to-day for these wing mirrors? Is he further aware (though I do not see why he should be) that I have a modern car without wing mirrors and that I have had very near shaves on motorways through my being unable to see, however carefully I drive, because of that horrible blind spot? There is no way one can get away from it, and I would ask him to give this matter further thought.
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, we will certainly give this question further thought, but in fairness to the House I ought to say again that present indications within the Ministry are that it would not add to safety.
§ LORD SOMERSMy Lords, would the noble Lord not agree that, even with the most modern of cars, there is a point, when a car is overtaking one and is practically abreast, when it cannot be seen either in the interior mirror or directly?
§ LORD LINDGRENBut, my Lords, if the recommendations of theHighway Codeare followed strictly, a driver would not get into that very awkward predicament. One should never move until one is sure that it is safe to do so.